The Joy Of Knitting: Texture, Color, Design, And The Global Knitting Circle

by Lisa R. Myers

The craft of knitting continues to thrive, both as a way to produce unique, stylish, handcrafted garments, and as a practice of meditative solace in a stressful world. This lively, comprehensive book for the growing population of contemporary knitters is an invaluable guide to fiber quality, texture, color, and pattern resources. It provides a complete global overview, from the politics of knitting as economic opportunity in undeveloped areas to the communal pleasures of Internet knitting circles to the inspiring beauty of ethnic motif in mittens, scarves, socks, and other items. Lisa Myers profiles influential designers, celebrates the joys of knitting in solitude and the tactile pleaures of yarn, and provides patterns for projects including a Log Cabin Pillow, an "intellectually challenging" three-dimensional hat, a Mobius scarf, and even a Palm Pilot cover. Lisa Myers holds a Ph.D. in English literature and is the proprietor of Sophie's Yarns in Philadelphia.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, Memoir

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2001

Reviews

[Lia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book about knitting which is distinctly grounded in 2001. As someone who started knitting in 2020, it was quite interesting to hear about the knitting world during the beginning of the internet age. However, the resources and references as well as some of the terminology are pretty outdated so not very useful if you were using this book to get back into knitting. Would have loved more autobiographical information, about Myers' local yarn store business and how she got into knitting. As it is more of a general outlook on the knitting world in the early 2000's, would probably not read this again or recommend.
It was cool to see some brands mentioned that are still around today and which I sold when I was working at a local yarn store!

[Angie Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the general writing style was engaging, but some of the "how to" descriptions were really clunky. Granted, it is not easy to write out directions on how to adjust stitch counts and decreases/increases for sweater sleeves in this type of context. At the time of publication (2001) there were so many possibilities for connecting online, but only a handful of the links listed in the back of the book are still active. The Stitches gatherings enthusiastically described are, alas, no more as of this year. It truly is a different world after 20 years, but thank goodness there's still yarn!

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sweet, cheerful, and encouraging. These types of chatty knitting books usually leave me feeling very lonely, as they remind me what a foreigner I am in this large knitterless community. I'm usually the one defending my principles that knitting is for public (and a much cleverer choice than smoking). I'm determined to be joyful about it even if it kills me! Perhaps this little book can be the right medicine for someone who's seeking. As for me, I'm already hooked ;0)

[Carrie LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good bit of interesting information on knitting for me as a novice knitter. Made several notes for reference in the future. The chapter on knitting in the digital age was funny because it was so out of date.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice knitting book, but just dated now.

[L L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by the co-owner of Sophie’s Yarns in Philadelphia and an English Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, this book was close to my heart. Out of my very meager reading of knitting books, this is by far the one I have enjoyed the most. This book provides a brief summary of knitting history and technique, and includes several simple patterns along the way. What I found most valuable were Myers’ explanations on different guidelines of working with color (e.g. hue, intensity and saturation). Unlike some other knitting books, she doesn’t spend a lot of time on one technique or one item of clothing, but gives the reader different characteristics and tendencies of fabrics and encourages the reader to experiment. The style is detailed and factual, but is backed up by a theoretical framework. It’s easy to understand but will give you the tools and concepts to do more yourself. (In those of you who enjoy Myers Briggs personality, this book was written by an N in S language.) It’s not the best book to pick up if you want to learn knitting by yourself, because it lacks diagrams, but it’s a pleasant, informative read for someone who has started learning but wants to delve deeper into the craft.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an appealing book the speaks directly to the reader in second person about why knitting is an interesting, even fun thing to do. There are projects, but no pictures, just a sketch for each one. I don't usually like second person, but I didn't even notice this time. It felt like a conversation. Well written. I recommend this book for knitters, both beginner and expert, and even for would-be knitters who need only encouragement. I would love to have a copy of my very own.
Chapters are: Learning to knit, A feminist history of knitting, Some facts about fiber, Knitting in community, Color: a little food for thought, Working with multiple colors, Knitting gifts, Texture, Knitting on your own, Knitting in the computer age, Knitting in the global village, Knitting to improve the world, Knitting basics, resources & bibliography.
Projects are: I-cord, Möbius scarf, Totally texture pillow, Collaborative baby blanket, Bias-knit scarf, Intarsia bag, watch cap, Socks, Beret and mitten set, Palm Pilot cover, Multi-cultural mittens, Watch cap for premies.

[Carolyn Staton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has a Ph.D. in English and owns a yarn shop. She writes so clearly and with such warmth that it is a pleasure to read. I have picked up some important knitting tips from this little volume.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - I read it when I first started and it really got me excited about starting a new hobby. Who knew it would take over my life!

I have never knit any of the patterns from this book.

[Katie Kirkland · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed some chapters; establishing a knitting community, color, fiber, texture. Others were too technical for my expertise level, and others were a little dated (Knitting and Computers.) Still an interesting read, but glad I borrowed it from the library and didn't purchase it.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been knitting for over 30 years. I wish I had read this book when it was first published. It is a must for anyone who is a new knitter and an excellent resource for experienced ones. There is a lot that I highlighted. It truly is about the Joy of Knitting.

[sjams · Rating 1 out of 5]

That was a waste of time for me. There was very little about the JOY of knitting and most of it was about aspects of knitting and learning to knit and mostly things I already knew. Boring.

[Ginny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly knitting techniques...not particularly joyful. It also reads like someone's college dissertation.

[Tammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about the history of needlework so I enjoyed this book. It also had useful tips which was helpful.

[Marley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why knitting is a feminist act. Rock.